Monday, January 05, 2009

I've been promising this for months and months (trust me--no one has been more frustrated over the issue than I) but last weekend we finally had things finished enough to take you on a tour and as an added bonus you get the benefit of our Festive Christmas Decorations (which are coming down today by the way).

There are still two closet doors to put up and paint, a piece of trim, some steel cables and two pieces of floor glass to install but other than that it's all done.

It's funny, I've never ever thought of our home as our Dream House--it's just not glamorous enough for that and would have to include a jacuzzi tub--but we've been here for seven years and now that we've fixed it up here and there it really does feel like ours to the point that I'm becoming quite attached to it. It finally feels like our thumbprint is on the whole thing and that the house really and truly represents our family.

I love seeing the kids enjoying their new space, they've really taken to it. Spencer's working on a big project at his desk every day now and Grace has got a spot for her easel. Now if I can just get them to keep it clean . . .

It was funny--we had the electrical inspection last week and the inspector took one look at the rooms and said, "Did Black + White design this?"

When we said yes he said, "They always do interesting designs."

So you can design for yourself what you think--but as for us? We're in love.

What a great tour! I have the exact same rug (with the leaves) in my family room too. How funny. I feel like I should have brought a house-warming present. LOL. Your kids must love their rooms! So very cool!

I was having a hard time envisioning it with the pictures, but the video shows it off beautifully! And it is beautiful! I love the knotty pine, too, and the kind of modern features (handles, lights, etc.) My husband and I often "battle" over traditional versus modern, and I really like the way your design incorporates some of both. Thanks for sharing your lovely home!

My favorite part is the beautiful diffused light windows in the kids room. What a neat idea! How nice to have a desk right in front of all that light. Plus I think your living room is just lovely with the tree and beautiful wreath:)

I loved watching your video! It was good to hear your voice again. ;) The renovation looks gorgeous and, although it was frustrating, was a raging success. I absolutely love the floor lighting and all the frosted glass.

Thanks for the tour--what a great space for the kids. It looks very European to me. Clean, organized, uncluttered, and classic. But please tell me that your kids' rooms and desks don't always look that clean. It would make me feel better.

So happy for you Michelle! Your addition and all of the storage ideas are very European; the use of space is terrific! Enjoyed your video very much...especially your concise, very educated narration. You are living proof that not all of the women in Alaska speak like Sara Palin! Ha Ha! ps: Your children seem to mind you very well. What do you feed them?

We don't have any window coverings. I know that might sound weird but you get used to the light I guess. I'm kind of waiting to see if it's an issue at all this summer--if so I might have to rig up a curtain in the room itself.

It turned out great! I love the light and bright atmosphere. And being another cold weather friend I LOVE that built in turnstyle for the hats and mittens LOL. I get so tired of them laying everywhere and no one being able to find them!

Love your new addition- very modern - very cool!!! My favorites are the floor lights,pocket doors and separate kids' desk areas. Your children played their parts very well!! Also love the black carpet - word of advice- NEVER get a white dog (or cat!) LOL

Wow, that was really cool. Love the windows and the lighting - and it's really cool how the black paint ended up working so well and doesn't look out of place at all! Black carpeting seems even more bold, but looks like it works for you, too! Congrats on being almost finished!

I love the new addition. Thanks for the tour. Where did you find those ceiling lights? I really like them. Very unique (and yes, they do remind me of the Starship). I have to say the black carpet isn't what I expected. I thought it would make the rooms so dark and absorb the light but it really pulls everything together. Congratulations on it and thanks again for the tour.

I love it! It looks a bit strange from the outside when you first see it, but once I saw the amazing use of space and materials on the inside, I began to like the outside too. What a great use of light. The kids must love their new desks.

Do you have built in step stools in the closets or do you just keep one handy to get to the top shelves?